Program: Bring your families to the 9th International Submarine Races,where 23 university and independent teams compete for the world speedrecord in human-powered submarines. The races are held in the 3,200 ftlong David Taylor Model Basin at the Naval Surface Warfare Center,Carderock. Every year, the teams gather here to don their scuba gear, getin their vehicles, and race. The two person speed record, set in 2005 bythe University of Quebec, stands at 7.061 knots. This year will see theaddition of tandem races and 3D slalom courses to make the challenge evengreater.

We?ll plan to meet on base. We?ll be shown around the competition areaand be able to meet the contestants prepping their vehicles outside in theparking lot. The first ever slalom races will be ongoing throughout theday and can be watched from the water?s edge and via the underwatercameras rigged for the event. We?ll also get a chance to tour some of theother Navy test facilities on the base.

Lunch: At noon, we?ll start heading over to the Carderock Park just offbase for relaxation and a barbeque picnic by the river.

Important Safety Note: The Model Basin is a large open pool surrounded bylots of test equipment and machinery. We will be free to walk aroundsomewhat informally, and supervision is not provided. Children under 6are not permitted on the tour, but are welcome at the picnic.

RSVP Instructions: The event is on a Navy base, so there?s a procedure tofollow. Anyone can attend as long as security forms are submitted inadvance for security purposes. Note the restrictions on cameras andcamera cell phones which are not permitted without advance authorization.

4) Contact ASME Washington DC Section Executive Secretary, Andrea Gironda,by Phone: (703) 489-9503 or Email: [email protected] by June 11thwith the names of everyone attending and whether they are a US citizen. Providing ages for kids coming along will help us focus the tour.

Any Questions about the process can be directed to Rafael Mandujano viaemail at [email protected]

Driving Directions: Carderock is extremely easy to reach, and it is only 2minutes from the Capital Beltway (I-495), Maryland Exit 41.

From Maryland, take I-495 south toward Northern Virgina. Take Exit 41,(last exit in Maryland, prior to the bridge) toward Carderock. This willput you on westbound Clara Barton Parkway.

From Virginia, take I-495 north toward Maryland. After passing the GeorgeWashington Parkway exit, get in the extreme right lane as you cross theAmerican Legion Bridge into Maryland. This is an exit only lane for theClara Barton Parkway (Exit 41). Caution: The exit ramp forks very soonafter you exit. Take the left fork for Carderock. This will put you onwestbound Clara Barton Parkway.

Once on Clara Barton Parkway, you may note that David Taylor Model Basinis on your right (the very long building). Take the first exit off theparkway, making a right into the main entrance to the base.